All You Need to Know About Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation generally refers to irregular rapid heart rhythm arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation often causes a very rapid heartbeat that can lead to blood clots in the heart, it can increase the risk of heart failure, stroke, heart diseases, and many other heart-related complications.

Atrial fibrillation is strongly associated with other cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease Diabetes mellitus hypertension and valvular heart disease. This is caused due to a regular and frequent heartbeat. Catecholamine excess, arterial ischemia, hemodynamic stress, metabolic stress, and atrial information are some of the factors that can promote atrial fibrillation. During atrial fibrillation the upper chambers of the heartbeat regularly which is out of synchronization with the lower chambers, however atrial fibrillation may cause fast heartbeat, shortness of breath or weakness. Atrial fibrillation have recurrent episodes which may be persistent, when person with atrial fibrillation also have problems that are related to heart rhythm called as atrial flutter. The treatment management of atrial fibrillation includes medications therapies catheter procedures which helps to block faulty heart signals.

Symptoms of Atrial fibrillation:-

Some people with atrial fibrillation do not notice any severe symptoms, the most common symptoms and signs of atrial fibrillation are-

1. Dizziness2. Pain In the chest3. Fatigue4. Shortness of breath5. Weakness6. HeadacheReduced exercise level

The person who is having atrial fibrillation should pay close attention to the symptoms that occur or the severity of the symptoms, these changes can help the doctor to provide the best possible treatment.

Types of Atrial fibrillation:-

1. Persistent - this is a type of atrial fibrillation in which the heart rhythm does not get back to normal on its own, if the person has atrial fibrillation symptoms medications or cardioversion can be used to restore or maintain normal heart rhythms.
2. Occasional - in this the symptoms come and go which can usually last for a few minutes to hours, sometimes the symptoms are the episodes can happen repeatedly e for or as long as a week.
3. Long-standing persistent - this type of atrial fibrillation is considered as continuous which can last more than even 12 months.
4. Permanent - this is a type of atrial fibrillation which is characterized by the irregular rhythm of the heart which cannot be re stood this type of medication helps to improve and control the heart rate and to prevent blood clots.

Causes of Atrial fibrillation:-

Atrial fibrillation results from many causes which include problems in the structure of the heart and is the most common cause of atrial fibrillation is the normal heart rate range is 60-100 Beats per minute, during the episode of atrial fibrillation the heart rate may range from 100 to 180 beats per minute, the most common possible causes of atrial fibrillation are:-

1. Heat attack2. Coronary artery disease3. Lung diseases4. High blood pressure5. Pulmonary embolism6. Past family history of atrial fibrillation7. Chronic conditions like- asthma, obesity8. Problems in heart valve9. Sleep apnea10. Any kind of physical stress due to pneumonia or any surgery11. Problem with heart's pacemaker12. Thyroid disease13. Viral Infections14. Overusing stimulants like caffeine tobacco and alcohol15. Some medications like NSAIDS, bisphosphonates16. Congenital heart defect17. Genetics18. Sedentary lifestyle

Common complications:-

The formation of blood clots is the most dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation which can lead to stroke. The irregular heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation can cause blood to collect in the upper chambers of the heart and the formation of clots. If the blood clots, it can travel to the brain which can cause a stroke. Other common complications or conditions which can increase the risk of stroke due to atrial fibrillation are -

1. High blood pressure2. Diabetes3. Heart failure4. Valvular heart diseases

Blood thickening medications are commonly prescribed in people with atrial fibrillation to prevent these blood clots and the risk of stroke.

Prevention:-

The only prevention is to maintain a healthy lifestyle which can reduce the risk of heart diseases and also help you to prevent atrial fibrillation, the most common tips for prevention are -

1. Eating a well balanced and nutritious diet2. Quit smoking3. Avoid alcohol or caffeine intake4. Maintain proper blood sugar level and blood pressure5. Exercise daily6. Maintain a healthy weight7. Manage stress8. Manage anger

There are many severe heart conditions which we are not yet known, maintaining a proper lifestyle is the only option to prevent any kind of heart disease, If you are worried about any kind of problems related to heart consult Dr. Sarita Rao, She is one of the best cardiac surgeons in Indore and ranked amongst the Best cardiologist in Madhya Pradesh. Call now for an appointment at 9893925000.

Dr. Sarita Rao is a Sr. Interventional Cardiologist at Apollo Hospitals, Indore. She is the first female Interventional Cardiologist in Central India. She is Fellow of American College of Cardiology(FACC) and Fellow of European Society of Cardiology(